All of our language assessements are based on the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLBs), the nationally recognized standard which measures four language skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing)

Provide you with information on the locations and class schedules of the language training options in the City of Toronto

We can enroll you in or provide you with a referral to government-funded English and French language training programs

Who Is Eligible?

If you are 18 years or older or have a high school diploma you are eligible with any of the following categories:

Canadian Citizen born outside of Canada

Permanent Resident

Convention Refugee/Protected Person

Persons in Canada whose applications for Permanent Resident status are being processed in Canada and who have been informed by a letter from Citizenship and Immigration Canada of the initial approval of their application subject to an admissibility assessment:

Refugee Claimant

Temporary Worker or Student who has obtained initial approval for a concurrent Application for Permanent Residence.

Foreign domestic worker admitted under the Live-In Caregiver program.

What Documents Are Required?

At the time of assessment, you must bring an original immigration document. Please check the table below for more details. (show/hide table)

Immigration Status

Required Documentation (original or certified copy must be presented)

Canadian Citizen born outside of Canada

Canadian Passport Certificate of Canadian Citizenship (Citizenship card)

Convention Refugees:
Record of Landing (IMM 1000)
Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292 or IMM 5509)
Letter of Notice of Decision from the IRB confirming that the client has been determined to be a Convention Refugee.

Urgent Protection cases sometimes enter Canada on a temporary resident permit called a Permit to come into or Remain in Canada (IMM 1263). The permit will have the words “Protected temporary residents class” written on it.

Persons in Canada whose applications for Permanent Resident status are being processed in Canada and who have been informed by a letter from Citizenship and Immigration Canada of the initial approval of their application subject to an admissibility assessment:

Approved in Principle letter (pending verifications)

Work or Study Permits that include a notation indicating initial approval of a concurrent Application for Permanent Residence. The Work or Study Permit must have words like “Initial Approval of PR” written on it.

Refugee Claimant

Refugee Protection Claimant Document

Temporary Worker or Student who has obtained initial approval for a concurrent Application for Permanent Residence.

Work or Study Permits that include a notation indicating initial approval of a concurrent Application for Permanent Residence. The Work or Study Permit must have words like “Initial Approval of PR” written on it.

Note: All documents need to be accompanied by photo identification such as a passport, driver's license, health card, etc.

What Is the Procedure?

An appointment for language assessment must be scheduled in advance. During the assessment, a certified language assessor will determine your listening, speaking, reading and writing skills and the most appropriate class level to help you find the most suitable language training.

The YMCA of Greater Toronto does not offer any language training, just the assessment that is needed for it. Instead, language classes are offered by many different partner organizations in the community. The Language Assessment and Referral Centre will provide the information you need to find the class that is right for you.

Important Things To Keep In Mind

All LINC/CLIC/ESL/FSL classes are offered at no cost.

You can study full-time or part-time.

Please remember that you cannot be enrolled in both LINC and CLIC; instead, you need to choose either English or French funded training stream (streams cannot be changed)

You can study in-class or through LINC Home Study.

Child minding is not available at the assessment centre.

Some language schools provide on-site child minding for children up to age six.

An assessment is valid for one year (12 months).

The assessment can take from one and a half to four hours. Please plan your time accordingly.

Individuals who want to change their language school or class can come to the Language Assessment and Referral Centre in person during business hours or call and speak with an assessor. Changes may include school location, time of study and method of study.

How to Make an Appointment

Please call 416-925-5462 Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to book an appointment. Appointments are available during the day, in the evening and on weekends. It is very important to come to your assessment appointment on time.